Dominical & Uvita · Costa Rica
Surfing Playa Hermosa (Uvita)
A beach break in Dominical & Uvita, Costa Rica, for beginner and intermediate surfers.
- TypeBeach Break
- LevelBeginner / Intermediate
- Size2-6 ft
- Best monthsMay-Nov
- Crowd2/5
The wave
Playa Hermosa near Uvita is a long beach backed by jungle hills, with waves that are usually about half the size of Dominical. It's cleaner and softer, which makes it a good place for beginners, improvers and longboarders.
It works on a south-west swell at most tides, and it's where people go when Dominical is too big. Don't confuse it with Playa Hermosa near Jacó, a heavy black-sand beach break. Uvita has waterfalls and the Marino Ballena national park nearby for the flat days.
9.19, -83.83 · Swell S-SW · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Playa Hermosa (Uvita)
Playa Hermosa (Uvita) is at its best from May to November. Conditions it likes: Swell S-SW. This is how the year looks across Central Puntarenas:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| December to April | Good | Short dry season, cleaner, sunnier, but smaller than the summer swell |
| May to July | Prime | Green season S-SW groundswell fires Dominical and the points; offshore mornings |
| August to October | Prime | Peak, most consistent S-SW swell, and the wettest, greenest months |
| Nov | Quiet | Transition, heavy rains and swell easing into the dry season |
Waves near Playa Hermosa (Uvita)
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dominicalito | Dominical & Uvita | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 6 km |
| Punta Dominical | Dominical & Uvita | Point Break | Beginner / Advanced | 6 km |
| Playa Dominical | Dominical & Uvita | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 8 km |
| Punta Uvita | Dominical & Uvita | Beach Break | Beginner | 11 km |
| Playa Ballena | Dominical & Uvita | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 14 km |
| Playa Matapalo | Quepos & Manuel Antonio | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 21 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Dominical & Uvita
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Dominical & Uvita surf guide →
A week here costs from about $794 with flights from Europe, or around $1,712 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $1,000 →
Playa Hermosa (Uvita): common questions
When is the best time to surf Playa Hermosa (Uvita)?
Playa Hermosa (Uvita) works best from May to November. Ideal conditions: Swell S-SW.
Is Playa Hermosa (Uvita) good for beginners?
Yes. Playa Hermosa (Uvita) suits beginner and intermediate surfers.
How crowded is Playa Hermosa (Uvita)?
Playa Hermosa (Uvita) is usually quiet: 2 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Playa Hermosa (Uvita)?
Playa Hermosa (Uvita) is in Dominical & Uvita, in the Central Puntarenas region of Costa Rica (9.19, -83.83). The nearest wave we cover is Dominicalito, about 6 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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